Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 4-week off-season period
(transition period) on the anthropometric and performance parameters in elite
female soccer players who participated in the UEFA women’s Champions
league. Eighteen female players (age 23.6±4.3 years) underwent testing
at the end of the competitive period and right after the transition period. An
incremental cardiopulmonary testing, body composition assessment and isokinetic
testing at 60 °/sec were performed on both occasions. The
cardiopulmonary exercise testing revealed that VO2max
(p=0.001) and time on the treadmill (p=0.000) were significantly
reduced after the transition period that included a 2 times/week
exercise regimen. Furthermore, the quadriceps torque production at 60
°/s was significantly reduced for both the right
(p=0.013) and left quadriceps (p=0.004) following the transition
period. Finally, body weight (p=0.001) and body fat (p=0.000)
significantly increased after 4 weeks of significantly reduced training volume.
It is concluded that the transition period negatively affected the
anthropometric and performance parameters of the female players. These data
maybe informative for coaches and trainers as they demonstrate that despite the
efforts to keep the players physically active the performance parameters
decreased significantly.
Key word
off-season - isokinetic testing - testing - training protocols - maximal oxygen consumption
